The Texans rookie quarterback connected with undrafted rookie wide receiver Travis Labhart for a two-point conversion with 59 seconds remaining. Then the fourth-round pick of the 2014 NFL draft pumped his arm in the air, celebrating his first game-winning drive in the NFL and putting his crisscrossed college career farther in the past.

“I don’t know what I did (celebrating). I hope I didn’t do anything stupid. I was pretty pumped,” said Savage, who completed 5-of-6 passes for 68 yards, one touchdown and a 153.5 rating, leading the Texans to a come-from-behind 18-17 preseason win against the Denver Broncos on Saturday at Sports Authority Field.

“It was definitely a confidence boost,” said Savage, who pulled the Texans within one after hitting tight end Ryan Griffin for a 31-yard touchdown. “But I’ve still got tons of room to improve and I’m looking forward to just keep growing.”

What did first-year Texans coach Bill O’Brien tell Savage after eight points on one drive?

“Good job,” Savage said.

Was it Labhart all the way on the two-point conversion?

“Yeah. Aw, yeah,” Savage said. “Aw, I don’t know. I have to look at the film. Maybe. I’ll let you know.”

Another unpredictable night from Case Keenum and Savage’s sharpness only complicated the Texans’ backup quarterback situation with one preseason game remaining.

Savage was drafted to become the team’s QB of the future. His activity has been limited during training camp. But he’s already made an impression on a quarterback guru.

“Savage is a poised guy. That’s something that stood out to us before the draft,” O’Brien said. “He had a calmness to him and I think you saw that (Saturday). You want those guys to be a little bit more fiery at times. But overall, he’s come in and not let the nerves get to him and improved every day.”

Starter Ryan Fitzpatrick was as uneven as Keenum.

With more than eight minutes remaining in the second quarter and the Texans leading 7-3, Fitzpatrick initially had sharper numbers than Broncos all-world QB Peyton Manning.

An A.J. Bouye interception of Manning set up the Texans’ first score. Then Fitzpatrick channeled his preseason game No. 2-self, marching the Texans 57 yards on eight plays in 4 minutes, 36 seconds. By the time the Texans held a four-point advantage with 8:23 left in the first half, a journeyman starter still trying to prove himself in Houston had outthrown the QB face of the NFL.

Fitzpatrick was 9-of-13 for 74 yards and an 83.5 rating, beginning with short-range passes to set up the offense, then opening his range as the game progressed.

But for all of Fitzpatrick’s early progress, the 10-year vet again showed why many have questioned his ability to consistently lead the Texans in 2014.

Manning eventually found his regular-season rhythm, throwing two touchdown bombs to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders within 1:02 of action. By the end of the first half, the Super Bowl-winner (and D.J. Swearinger-taunter) was a sparkling 21-of-27 for 243 yards, two touchdowns and a 113.4 rating.

Fitzpatrick flamed out before the first half was complete. Unable to answer Manning’s first TD – a 67-yard loft to Sanders near the middle of the field – Fitzpatrick nearly threw an interception on his first pass and fired low on his second. A Texans punt followed, setting up Manning’s second torch.

The untouchable QB on the field had rediscovered his legendary aim. Fitzpatrick was trailing again and only average.

Keenum received yet another opportunity to prove himself in the second half.

For 18 plays, 74 yards and 9:37, the former University of Houston star guided the Texans on a mostly efficient drive that marked Keenum’s best run of the preseason. While two throws – including a third-down attempt near the Broncos’ end zone – were nearly intercepted, Keenum was often on target and displayed improved command of the Texans’ offense.

A 24-yard Randy Bullock field goal capped the drive, pulling the Texans within 17-10 with 5:23 left in the third quarter.

Keenum went 7-of-10 for 46 yards during the series, posting a 79.6 rating and reestablishing his hold as the Texans’ backup QB.

The ex-Cougar’s second drive wasn’t as sharp. Keenum threw another near-interception to open the series, then badly threw high. A second-down attempt saw Keenum running backward and immersing himself in trouble, mirroring his worst 2013 trait. A hard sack followed, ending the drive.